GALLERY: Police top brass meets with community
The aim of the imbizo was for the SAPS to interact with community members, listen to their concerns and to discuss possible solutions.
A police imbizo, held in the Brakpan Indoor Sports Centre on Sunday morning, was well attended by concerned residents of the town as well as several civilian security groups and other interested parties.
Residents had the opportunity to engage with the station commander of Brakpan SAPS, Brig Fredl Jonck, the management of the Brakpan SAPS, the EMPD, Brakpan ward councillors, the CPF as well as a representative from the Brakpan court.
Read: Fathers celebrated at the Brakpan SAPS
Also in attendance was the Ekurhuleni district commissioner, Maj Gen Vincent Leshabane.
After an informative slide show, presented by Lt Col Peet van der Schyff, community members were given an opportunity to ask questions about the crimes affecting them and issues they have with the SAPS.
Several residents from informal settlements in the town made use of the opportunity to raise their concerns.
Read: Join the SAPS for a morning of sport
One of these was the lack of proper CPF structures in the areas and the means to combat crime.
This concern prompted Johnny Smith from the Brakpan Radio Group to donate six two-way radios to be used in aiding the fight against crime in these settlements.
The Radio Group was also complimented for their assistance in crime prevention in the town.
Jonck addressed the questions and concerns raised by the attendees.
He also emphasised the importance of community safety structures working hand in hand with the SAPS.
“It is time to stop pointing fingers and for us to work together as a community.
“The results will be very surprising if we all just do our bit,” said Jonck.
“When a society is respectful and disciplined, we will have less crime,” he added.
He further pointed out that he has an open door policy and is more than willing to speak to members of the public, providing he is available.
Leshabane concluded the meeting and reiterated the sentiment that the SAPS and the public must word hand in hand to fight crime.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Thelma Koorts (editor) brakpanherald@caxton.co.za
or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za
or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Brakpan Herald on the following social media platforms:
Follow us:
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Springs Advertiser, Boksburg Advertiser, Benoni City Times, African Reporter
